dahoon Aquifoliaceae Ilex cassine L.   symbol: ILCA
	Leaf: Alternate, simple, evergreen, thickened, oblong to lanceolate; 2 to 4 inches long; entire margin or a few sharp teeth above the middle; green above, paler below. Flower: Dioecious; males are small, greenish white in small, short branched clusters; females have 4 small greenish white petals and occur solitary or in a small clusters; appear in late spring to early summer. Fruit: Berry-like round drupe, 1/4 to 1/3 inch across; usually red (may be yellow); ripen in fall; persistent. Twig: Slender, grayish brown, finely hairy; very small pointed buds. Bark: Thin, dark gray, very smooth when young but later becoming finely scaly. Form: Shrub or small tree with dense branches; reaches heights of 25 feet.
	USDA Plants Database Ilex cassine is native to North America. Range may be expanded by planting. See states reporting dahoon (opens a new window).